Contract / Induction - Hills Site Services

Contract /
Induction

HILLS SITE SERVICES LTD

Required Action

Before we can accept your application for any vacancies please complete the induction process.

1: READ ALL OF THE INDUCTION INFORMATION BELOW

2: COMPLETE A SMALL 10 QUESTION INDUCTION TEST

3: COMPLETE THE SUBCONTRACTOR FORM WHICH WILL APPEAR AFTER YOUVE TAKEN THE TEST

Hills Site Services

Induction

To ensure that you are fully prepared with any positions provided by Hills Site Services we require you to thoroughly read, digest and understand all contents setout within this induction process

Once you have finished the induction process, please complete the small test.

After you have completed the 10th question correctly, the contractor form will appear beneath the test.

By completing this form you are also agreeing with our standard terms and condition: Ts & Cs

Start your induction

Why health & safety

Your employer has a legal and moral duty to care to all employees and any other person who may be affected by the company business, including visitors and volunteers.

The Moral Aspect:

By ensuring good health and safety practice is implemented, we can reduce the number of accidents, the number of people who are injured at work, and the human and financial cost of accidents. In turn, employers are also fulfilling their legal and moral duties of care to employees and any others that may be affected by work activities.

Significant costs associated with accidents:

Any employee that is injured at work could lose out financially from being unable to work, in particular if they sustain a long term or life changing injuries. Employers will face a lot of unseen costs, which could include loss of production time and materials, hiring temporary staff, retraining, increased insurance premiums, equipment damage and poor public relations which could affect future business.

The Legal Reasons
When any accident in the workplace occurs there is the possibility of civil litigation and criminal prosecution, which could result in fines and imprisonment.

Health and Safety Legislations.

In order to fully appreciate the requirements of health and safety we must first take a brief look at the main piece of legislation covering health and safety in the UK:
The Heath and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

Here is a summary of the Act

The act sets out the general principles for health and safety at work, including the employers and employee responsibilities
It applies to places of work within the UK
It is an enabling act which allows other regulations to be made under it (i.e Manual Handling Operations Regulations, and Management of H&S Regulations etc)
Additionally it establishes the concept of “reasonably practicable”. Employers must balance risk Vs Cost
It sets penalties for a breach of the act, which could include unlimited fines and prison sentences

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA)

Here is a picture of the health and safety law poster. Within your workplace, this poster should be displayed. Alternatively, you may have been issued a pocket-size version. The poster and pocketsize version detail the employer and employee responsibilities.

Ensure you know where this poster is located (or where your pocket version is) and that you have read and understood the responsibilities and those of your employer.

Employer responsibilities

Its is your employers duty by law to provide a safe working environment this is outlined in section 2 of the health and safety act 1974.

This includes:
Provide and maintain safe plant and equipment

Ensure safety in the use, handling, storage and transport of articles and substances

Provide information instruction training and supervision as far as reasonably practicable

Maintain safe access and egress at a place of work

Provide adequate welfare facilities.

Any company that has 5 of more employees should have a documented health and safety policy

The company health and safety policy is an extremely important document that all employees should read and understand. The policy clearly sets out the management commitment to health and safety within the organisation. It also contact details of the organisation and your responsibilities as an employee.

The policy contains 3 main sections

Health and Safety of Intent

The organisation and its responsibilities

Health and safety arrangements

HSWA: General Employee Duties

As we have learnt above, your health and safety at work is protected by law. Every employer has a duty of care to the health, safety and welfare of their employees whilst they are at work. Employers also have a duty to keep you informed about health and safety in your workplace.

As an employee it is your duty to look after your own safety and not put any others around you at risk. If you come across any problems or potential hazards, you should report these immediately to your line manager or safety representative.

HSWA: General Employee Duties

Take reasonable care of your own health and safety and that of others

Co-operate with your employer at all times on health and safety matters

Correctly use work items provided to you by your employer, including personal protective equipment in accordance with training

Do not interfere with safety arrangements or misue anything provided for that purpose

Report any health and safety problem or defect you observe to your safety representative or line manager as soon as possible.

SUMMARY

Health and safety in the workplace is about the avoidance and prevention of workplace accidents, with the development of pro-active safety management systems

The health and safety at work etc act 1974 is the UKs official legislation to protect employers, employees and any other person that may be affected by the work activity

The act outlines clear roles and responsibilities for the prevention and protection of all those that could be affected by work activity, so far as is reasonably practicable.

Risk Assessment

The purpose of this chapter is to highlight the importance of risk assessments in the workplace. Completing written risk assessments is a legal requirement for all employers with five or more members of staff, if the task or activity presents significant risk.

When completing these assessments, it is important that the employer takes a look at all the tasks under his control and assesses whether the risks involved could affect the health and safety of employees, or anyone else, are controlled to a level that is acceptable.

Risk assessment requirements

General: The employer must ensure that the completed risk assessments are suitable and sufficient

This takes in a number of factors, including the identification of hazards which present significant risk as opposed to concentrating on the trivial, and ensuring that the level of risk arising from the employers work activity determines the content of the risk assessment.

Additionally, the risk assessment must be appropriate to the nature of the work and the period of time for which it is likely to remain valid.

Small Businesses: Small businesses with simple hazards need only undertake the most straightforward risk assessments. For work involving more complex processes or work activities, specialist risk assessment and safe systems of work or method statements may be necessary along with relevant specialist consultants advice.

Summary
Five or more members of staff is the minimum requirement for completing written risk assessments

Employers must look at all tasks under their control and assess if the risks involved could affect the health and safety of employees or anyone else and are controlled to an acceptable level.

All potential accidents simple or not should be considered. However, risks that could be considered trivial are not as necessary.

Safety in the Workplace

As above, we have discovered, it is the employers responsibility to provide a safe working environment , however employees must also ensure that they are doing their part in keeping a workplace safe. This section mostly focuses on employer responsibilities covering key areas of health and safety but also covers the employee requirements.

Safety in the workplace: General Employer Duties

A suitable working temperature is provided (the minimum temp permitted in an office environment is 16 degrees Celsius. There is no maximum specified

That there is adequate ventilation. This can be natural or forced

There should be appropriate welfare facilities provided, including toilets, washing facilities and drinking water.

Lighting in the workplace should be suitable to allow employees to carry out their work work activities safely

Cleanliness is important, the workplace should be cleaned at least weekly. However it is also important that you ensure your workstation is kept tidy.

Safety Signs and Signals

Safety signs and signals are an effective way for employers to communicate health and safety information in the workplace. These may include illuminated signs, hand and acoustic signals (e.g fire alarms) and spoken communication. They must be easily understood and communicated to staff. There are different types of safety sign. The Shape and colours indicate the type of sign.

WARNING
Warning signs inform you to be aware and take precautions. They are triangular in shape. The background is yellow and the image inside is black and indicates the nature of the warning.

This example is a sign to warn people of the presence of highly flammable material

PROHIBITION

Prohibit signs inform you of behaviour that is not permitted. It is a red circle with a red stripe on top of a white background. The image used informs you of the behaviour that is not permitted.

This example sign is to inform people that smoking is NOT permitted.

MANDATORY

Mandatory signs inform you of a specific action or behaviour that is required. They are a blue circle with a white image. The image informs you of the behaviour or action required.

This example is a sign to inform people that it is mandatory to wear safety goggles.

INFORMATION

Information signs inform you of important health and safety details. They are rectangular and are green with a white image. The image indicates information. The sign may also contact words.

This example is a sign to inform people of the direction to the nearest fire exit.

Site Safety Signs

Safety signs have specific requirements in terms of colour, shape and size. Signs must be maintained and if they have faded or are defective, need to be replaced immediately. If employees are unfamiliar with signs then it is the employers duty to explain the meaning and actions that need to be taken in connection with them.

Electricity

If any portable electrical appliances are used in the workplace then it is important to ensure that they are kept in good working order.

Maintenance: Maintenance can be carried out through regular inspection and testing of the portable electrical appliance by a competent person

Electrical Sockets: For this equipment to be used, adequate electrical sockets should be provided. Under no circumstances should the use of socket adaptors and extension blocks be used as a substitute for the provision of sufficient sockets. However, for a short period of time they are acceptable to use.

Damage: If you come across any electrical sockets and plugs that are damaged then you should stop using them immediately. Notify the appropriate person, either your line manager or health and safety representative. Cracked or damaged sockets, frayed cables, loose wires or overheating sockets are some of the most common faults.

Should any of your sockets have any of these faults then immediately place a notice at the socket to prevent other people using the faulty electrics.

Employer Responsibilities:
Regular routine visual inspections of electrical equipment to check for faults or damage

Ensuring only competent trained individuals are maintaining electrical equipment

Electrical installation inspections are undertaken by a competent person at least every 5 years

Portable appliance tests (PAT) are carried out on a regular basis or as per risk assessment

COSHH – Control of substances hazardous to health

Certain chemicals and other hazardous substances we use in the workplace can put peoples health at risk. The COSHH regulations requires employers to control exposure to hazardous substances to prevent accidents and ill health resulting.

COSHH is a useful management tool which introduces the principle of COSHH assessments which must be completed for all hazardous substances (anything with a hazard warning label on it)

Always read the material information data sheet, COSHH assessment and label. Always read and adhere to the identified control measure for the safe use, storage and disposal of the product.

Hazard Pictograms

Hazard pictograms alert us to the presence of a hazardous chemical. The pictograms help us to understand the potential impact the chemical has on people and the environment.

The pictograms are in the shape of a diamond with a red boarder and white background. One of more pictograms may appear on the labelling of a single chemical.

Office Safety

Some of the basic equipment used in an office can be taken for granted. Therefore it is worth highlighting some of the main safety aspects you will need to consider.

Shelves: Shelves should only be used for the purpose intended and should be strong enough for the items that are to be stored on them. The shelves need to be securely fitted to the wall so the contents are adequately supported. If there are tell tale signs that a shelf is overloaded such as; buckling or brackets coming away from the wall, the defect should be formally reported and the contents of the shelf removed until repaired or replaced. Items that you frequently use should be placed on shelves making them easy to reach.

STEPS/LADDERS: If unsuitable equipment such as chairs are used to reach high areas, like shelving, this can lead to accidents. Therefore, ensure that the correct equipment is used such as kick-along stools, steps, ladders, which are adequate for the height you are attempting to reach.

Filing cabinets: The weight in a filing cabinet should be distributed evenly so it is stable. Filling a filing cabinet so it is top heavy can cause the unit to fall over. The most common mistake made when filling a filing cabinet is that of over-filling the drawers, and then opening more than one drawer at a time. Should more than one drawer of a filing cabinet open simultaneously then the cabinet mechanism has failed and you need to inform your line manager or health and safety representative immediately.

It is important to remember that the heaviest materials should be stored at the bottom of the drawer in the filing cabinet

Slips and Trips

Injuries from slips and trips in the workplace are the most commonly reported. However, they are also probably the most preventable. We will now look at some of the most common issues.

The occurrence of raised floor coverings such as loose tiles and shallow, unmarked steps are a common cause of trip accidents. It is important to act if you come across any damaged floor coverings by reporting it to your line manager

Spillages should always be mopped up straight away and a warning sign should be placed over the spill until the surface is dry.

If your job involves the use of electrical equipment then great care must always be taken to make your workspace safe. Always ensure that cables do not trail across pathways. It is important to secure any cables and have an effective cable management system.

Always make sure there are no loose items or objects left in areas where people are likely to walk. Items such as boxes or any other type of container left in walkways can present hazards which may result in someone tripping and getting Injured.

SUMMARY:
There are basic requirements for the functionality of basic office equipment

There should be adequate equipment for higher risk areas, such as reaching high shelving

Any potential issue should immediately be reported to the line manager and health and safety representative.

Manual Handling

More than a third of all accidents reported to the enforcing authorities are linked to manual handling. Many of these accidents can be attributed to poor technique by individuals over a number of years, lifting objects beyond an individuals capabilities or using poor lifting techniques.

First steps to reduce risks are as follows:

Before carrying out the manual handling tasks, step back and assess load and plan actions. Take into account the characteristics of the load, is the weight evenly distributed? What shape is it? Any sharp points?

Consider how you are going to pick up the load, can you get a good grip?
How heavy is the load? Is it within your capabilities? If you don’t know the weight should you really be lifting the load?

Think about where you are carrying the load, take a look at the route and assess any obstructions along the way. Don’t be afraid to ask for help

LIFTING POSITION
Before trying to lift the load, it is important to ensure you correctly position yourself over the load. Stand with your feet hip distance apart making sure that you maintain good balance. It is important to ensure that you remain relaxed and flexible, as when the body is tense it is more prone to injury. Make sure you are standing close enough to the load to have its centre of weight as close to your body as possible.

If possible, position your feet along the sides of the load around hip width apart. The most important aspect is to try and find a position that is comfortable for yourself, without putting your back at risk.

THE LIFT
Lower yourself down to the load by bending your knees and making sure you keep your back in its natural position (i.e don’t tense it)

Keep your body in a relaxed posture and maintain its natural breathing, it is important to ensure that you don’t hold your breath. Don’t overstretch to reach the load. Grab hold of the load with your hands using the roots of your fingers

To begin the lift, from looking down at the load, gently raise your chip up, this will return your back to its natural position as you rise

Use your legs to return yourself to a standing position and move smoothly. Make sure you keep a firm grip on the load and move smoothly.

LOWERING THE LOAD

The safe lift will not be complete unless the load is safely put down.

To put down the load you need to reverse the lifting action, again making sure you keep your back in its natural position, bend your knees if you are lowering the load to ground position, and your body is relaxed.

Controlling manual handing risks

If at all possible, manual handing should be avoided. If avoidance is not possible, mechanical assistance should be considered. This can be achieved by using mechanical aids such as folk lift trucks pallet trucks or conveyors.

If the load is heavy, consider lifting with more than one person as it can make the manual handling take much easier.

If the task is hazardous or poses a risk of injury, then a manual handling risk assessment should then be completed and suitable control measures introduced.

SUMMARY
Using incorrect manual handling techniques contributes to more than one third of workplace injuries

It is vital to be aware of body position, balance and ergonomics throughout lifting and setting down

Manual handling is ideally avoided, but if this is not possible, then preferably done with a mechanical aid or another persons assistance. Risk assessments may be necessary.

First aid and accidents

First aid is the emergency care and treatment of a sick or injured person before professional medical services are obtained.

Within the workplace people can suffer injury or illness and it is a legal requirement for employers to provide adequate arrangements ensuring immediate attention is given to employees should they be injured or taken ill.

First aiders and first aid equipment

Communication:Who are the first aiders and emergency aiders in your workplace? This information should be effectively communicated and displayed in prominent positions throughout the organisation and in your health and safety policy.

Requirements: Circumstances of the workplace will determine what is adequate for employers. As a minimum the workplace should have an adequate number of fully qualified first aiders or emergency aiders (or appointed persons in certain circumstances) and a suitable number of stocked first aid kits under the control of the appointed first aider.

To determine the exact requirements employer, need to carry out an assessment to identify appropriate first aid provision. Employers need to consider the size of the workplace, amongst other factors, to determine exactly what first aid equipment, facilities and personnel should be provided.

What action would you take if someone takes ill or an accident at work?

One of the most important actions is to alert the first aider so they can assess the injury and more actions. In more serious situations the emergency services should be contacted. It is important that accidents or near misses are reported no matter how trivial. The information could help stop future accidents happening to other employees. It is a legal requirement for all employees to notify their employer of an accident and for it to be recorded in the company accident book.

Arrangements should be in place to undertake accident and incident investigations at the correct level to prevent a reoccurrence. The investigation could include a review of the companies safety management system which would include lessons learnt.

SUMMARY
First aid is administered to an injured person as the first point of action. The first aider/emergency aider will assess the injury and call for professional medical assistance if required

It is a legal requirement to have qualified First Aiders, emergency aiders or appointed persons and first aid kits in the workplace as identified within your first aid risk assessment

All incidents should be reported and logged, whether an accident or near miss

Fire Safety

In the UK alone, the first and rescue service attended 549,913 fire related incidents as per the fire and rescue statistics report June 2020. Of these there were 243 fatalities. A large percentage of the fatalities were due to smoke inhalation. With these figures in mind we should all do what we can to reduce the potential for fire to start.

To reduce the potential for fire to start, we can take some simple steps.

Regularly clear out unnecessary equipment, paperwork, furniture and disused cleaning materials.

Always remove generated rubbish to a safe area

Prevent an accumulation of combustible materials in high risk areas such as plant rooms, switch cupboards and fire exit routes.

Always check external storage arrangements for waste, this includes recycling bins where waste can be kept for longer periods of time to allow collection of sufficient amounts of material.

Fire Evacuation:

When the alarm sounds or you are instruction to evacuate, remain calm and don’t panic. You need to make instant decisions such as which exit is the nearest, people who panic are more likely to make mistakes and increase the likely hood of injury or worse.

Common mistakes include waiting to see if other colleagues begin to evacuate or to see if clear signs of fire are present such as the smell of smoke or the sight of flames

DO’s
Evacuate quickly, calmly and safely.

Close doors and windows behind you if safe to do so

Go straight to the evacuation assemgly point via the quickest and safety route

Ensure the fire marshal is aware of your presence at the assembly point

DONT’S

Stop to collect your personal belongings

Wait to react until other have reacted

Use lifts

Assemble anywhere other than your designated assembly point

Return to the building until told to do so by a fire marshal or the fire service

SUMMARY

Fatalities as a result of fires are often caused by smoke inhalation

Rubbish especially flammable materials, should not be allowed to accumulate in any high risk areas

Remain calm during fire evacuations and prioritise getting to safety via the set fire exists

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

By law, your employer has duties concerning the provision and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

PPE is defined as clothing or equipment intended to be worn by an employee at work protecting them against hazards to their health that they may encounter during their work activities. This includes safety footwear, safety helmets, protective eye wear, face protection and gloves.

PPE: Must only be issues as a last resort to protect an employee. Before resulting to PPE other safety measures must be considered. For example replacing a toxic substance for a non hazardous product so PPE isn’t required. The PPE regulations specify that a risk assessment must be taken to ensure the correct PPE is provided.

This means it must be appropriate for the work and fit the wearer comfortably and correctly. Most ppe has to be approved such as with a CE mark. If your PPE is not suitable for the job report it to your supervisor or manager immediately, further more if your PPE is damaged or defective in anyway you must ensure it is replaced. You must wear PPE in the correct way that has been provided for the job, if you do not you put yourself at risk of long term health affects.

SUMMARY

Employers have a responsibility to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect workers against any hazardous situations in the workplace

PPE should be a last resort after all other safety options have been considered

Risk assessments must be made and regular checks must be undertaken to ensure PPE is in good condition

H&S In Construction

As well as The Heath and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, HSE, the government health and safety executive also provide information specific to Health and Safety in construction. It is important that you have read and understood this document before completing the below form.